The Flu is What We Can Do to Protect Ourselves
The Flu Season is now in full force. Getting the flu shot does not necessarily means you won't get the flu. I am told that having taken the flu shot made it less severe. Do whatever you can to protect yourself. Thanks to Joe Petrowsky of Manchester, Connecticut for providing us some great tips to protect ourselves
“The Flu is What We Can Do to Protect Ourselves”
You can’t turn on a radio or TV or read a newspaper or online and not hear or see something about how bad this flu season is. For the first time ever, I got a flu shot.
I have been looking around for things that can be done to cut down the chances of getting the dreaded nasty flu.
The info shared by these two doctors, seemed to be as good as I’ve seem to assist you immune system.
Integrative Medicine: Tips for a Flu-Free Winter
BY: Drs. Kay Judge & Maxine Barish-Wreden
Ah, January, the time when you pack away the holiday lights, put away the presents … and get ready for the flu season.
Flu activity usually peaks in the U.S. in January or February. According to this week’s FluView report posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is on the rise for the season in the U.S., with 29 states experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness.
Ten states including California report low or minimal flu activity. These levels of influenza are comparable to those of moderately severe flu seasons in the past.
What can you do to prevent the flu? Practice good hygiene including washing your hands frequently, including before you touch your face or eat.
If you have not been vaccinated against the flu, you should do so now. If you have severe influenza illness, or are at risk for influenza illness-related complications, you should get the influenza antiviral medications (regardless of whether you’ve had the flu vaccine).
In addition, there are a number of holistic interventions you can do to boost your immunity before or during a flu or upper-respiratory infection.
Here are our top holistic immunity-boosting tips for the flu season:
• Decrease your intake of processed carbohydrates and sugary foods. Even small amounts of sugar can suppress the immune system and make you more likely to get an infection, or more sick when you have one.
• The herbs Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpura are for prevention and long-term immune support. Doses generally used are 2.5 grams of root taken preventively, and can be tripled to head off an impending infection.
• The herb Androgrophis paniculata is used in acute viral or bacterial infections. Doses used are typically 1,000 milligrams per day of extract, or about 6 grams of the herb.
• The herb Ashwgandha is considered an adaptogen, and can help the body respond to stress and ward off illness. It can also help insomnia related to the flu if taken in the evening. Doses of Ashwgandha are around 1,000 miligrams a day, or a couple pills a day when the pills doses are around 400 to 500 milligrams.
• Fresh ginger steeped in hot water to form a hot tea can be a natural immune booster, and can help against nausea, congestion and abdominal bloating. You can add a little fresh lemon and honey to the tea to calm a sore throat.
• Nasal saline rinses, or nedipots, used daily can help wash out viruses and bacteria in the nasal passages.
• Garlic – raw, cooked or in the form of supplements – can boost immunity and has been shown to reduce cough and congestion.
• Doses of garlic recommended are 2 to 5 grams of fresh raw garlic, 0.4 to 1.2 grams of garlic powder or 2 to 5 milligrams of garlic oil daily.
• Garlic can be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
• Exercising in moderation has been shown in many studies to be a natural immunity booster, and may reduce the incidence and severity of viral infections.
• If you think you have the flu, contact your physician.
Try these holistic remedies if needed, in conjunction with your physician’s advice. We hope you have a healthy flu-free winter.
image courtesy of marin/freedigitalphotos.net
Joe Petrowsky, NMLS #6869
Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS #2709
110 Main St.
Manchester, Ct. 06042
Office: 860 647-7701 x116
Fax: 860 647-8940
Cell: 860 836-9294
Email: joe@righttracfg.com
Joe Petrowsky does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for the accuracy of the information provided herein, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.
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